When it comes to naming a baby, many parents look for names that are unique, meaningful, and culturally relevant. In the United States, names starting with the letter M have consistently remained popular across generations. From traditional names with deep roots in history to modern creations that reflect current trends, the selection is vast and diverse.
In this article, we will explore 50 American baby names beginning with the letter M, divided into boys’, girls’, and unisex categories. Each name includes its origin and meaning to help parents make informed choices when naming their child.
Popular M Names for Boys
These male names starting with M are well-loved in the U.S., spanning classic choices and contemporary favorites.
1. Michael
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “Who is like God?”
Notes: A perennial favorite, Michael has topped U.S. baby name charts for decades.
2. Mason
Origin: English
Meaning: “Worker in stone”
Notes: Once a surname, Mason has become a trendy first name in recent years.
3. Matthew
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “Gift of God”
Notes: A biblical name with enduring popularity.
4. Miles
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “Soldier”
Notes: Sleek and modern, yet deeply rooted in tradition.
5. Maxwell
Origin: Scottish
Meaning: “Great stream”
Notes: Stylish and dignified, often shortened to Max.
6. Maddox
Origin: Welsh
Meaning: “Son of Madoc”
Notes: Gained popularity thanks to celebrity culture.
7. Malcolm
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Meaning: “Devotee of Saint Columba”
Notes: Strong historical and political associations.
8. Mario
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “Manly”
Notes: A cross-cultural name that works in English and Spanish-speaking households.
9. Martin
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “Of Mars, the god of war”
Notes: A classic name with noble connotations.
10. Micah
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “Who is like Yahweh?”
Notes: A softer alternative to Michael.
11. Marcus
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “Warlike”
Notes: Strong and traditional.
12. Milan
Origin: Slavic/Italian
Meaning: “Gracious, dear”
Notes: Has a cosmopolitan vibe due to its link with the Italian city.
13. Moses
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “Drawn out of the water”
Notes: A deeply religious name with strength and leadership.
14. Mitchell
Origin: English
Meaning: “Who is like God?”
Notes: Derived from Michael, but with a surname feel.
15. Murphy
Origin: Irish
Meaning: “Sea warrior”
Notes: Quirky and friendly, rising in popularity.
Popular M Names for Girls
These female names beginning with M reflect grace, power, creativity, and charm.
16. Madison
Origin: English
Meaning: “Son of Maud”
Notes: Originally a surname, now a top choice for girls.
17. Mia
Origin: Italian/Scandinavian
Meaning: “Mine” or “Bitter” (depending on origin)
Notes: Short, sweet, and international.
18. Morgan
Origin: Welsh
Meaning: “Sea-born”
Notes: Unisex in nature, though more common among girls in the U.S.
19. Mackenzie
Origin: Scottish
Meaning: “Son of Kenneth”
Notes: Popular for its playful rhythm and soft sound.
20. Melanie
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “Black, dark”
Notes: A name with elegance and drama.
21. Maya
Origin: Sanskrit/Hebrew
Meaning: “Illusion” or “Water”
Notes: Has multicultural appeal.
22. Molly
Origin: Irish
Meaning: “Star of the sea”
Notes: Warm and vintage, yet always charming.
23. Margaret
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “Pearl”
Notes: A regal classic with many nicknames (Maggie, Meg, Greta).
24. Mariah
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “The Lord is my teacher”
Notes: Elegant and soulful, partly popularized by singer Mariah Carey.
25. Miranda
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “Admirable, wonderful”
Notes: Shakespearean and sophisticated.
26. Melody
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “Song”
Notes: Musical and lyrical name choice.
27. Mila
Origin: Slavic
Meaning: “Gracious, dear”
Notes: Sleek and trending, thanks to international influence.
28. Meredith
Origin: Welsh
Meaning: “Great ruler”
Notes: Gender-neutral but more common for girls today.
29. Marlowe
Origin: English
Meaning: “Driftwood”
Notes: A stylish surname-turned-first-name.
30. Maisie
Origin: Scottish
Meaning: “Pearl”
Notes: Cute and vintage, derived from Margaret.
Unisex Baby Names That Start With M
These names are suitable for any gender and reflect the growing trend toward gender-neutral naming.
31. Morgan
Origin: Welsh
Meaning: “Sea-born”
Notes: Works for both boys and girls, versatile and strong.
32. Marley
Origin: English
Meaning: “Pleasant seaside meadow”
Notes: Popularized by music legend Bob Marley.
33. Micah
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “Who is like God?”
Notes: Soft and spiritual, increasingly chosen for girls as well.
34. Monroe
Origin: Scottish
Meaning: “Mouth of the Roe river”
Notes: Glamorous and gender-neutral.
35. Milan
Origin: Slavic/Italian
Meaning: “Gracious, dear”
Notes: Elegant and international, suitable for any gender.
36. Mackenzie
Origin: Scottish
Meaning: “Child of the wise leader”
Notes: Once more common for boys, now frequently used for girls too.
37. Murphy
Origin: Irish
Meaning: “Sea warrior”
Notes: Light-hearted, energetic, and very modern.
38. Morganne
Origin: Variant spelling of Morgan
Notes: Gives a more feminine flair while remaining unisex.
39. Montana
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “Mountain”
Notes: A bold name with Western U.S. flair.
40. Misha
Origin: Russian
Meaning: “Who is like God?”
Notes: Cute and soft, used for both genders in the U.S.
Unique and Rare M Names for Baby Boys and Girls
For parents seeking something distinctive, these M names are less common but equally beautiful and meaningful.
41. Marcellus
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “Young warrior”
Notes: Ancient Roman name with strength and gravitas.
42. Magnolia
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “Magnolia flower”
Notes: Southern charm in a name, floral and feminine.
43. Mordecai
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “Warrior, follower of Marduk”
Notes: Biblical and bold.
44. Marnie
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “Rejoice”
Notes: Vintage and endearing.
45. Montgomery
Origin: Norman French
Meaning: “Gumarich’s mountain”
Notes: Aristocratic and stately.
46. Mavis
Origin: Old French
Meaning: “Songbird”
Notes: A vintage name experiencing a gentle revival.
47. Maxton
Origin: English
Meaning: “From Maccus’s town”
Notes: A contemporary spin on Max.
48. Mahalia
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “Tender, affectionate”
Notes: Made famous by gospel singer Mahalia Jackson.
49. Mylo
Origin: English
Meaning: “Soldier or merciful”
Notes: A trendy variant of Miles.
50. Mireille
Origin: French
Meaning: “To admire”
Notes: Sophisticated and rare, pronounced “Mee-ray.”
Final Thoughts
Choosing the perfect baby name is one of the most important and personal decisions new parents can make. Names that begin with the letter M offer a remarkable blend of elegance, tradition, and modern flair. Whether you’re looking for something classic like Michael, sweet like Mia, or unique like Mireille, the letter M provides a wealth of options to suit every taste and cultural background.
As naming trends continue to evolve in the U.S., unisex names and nature-inspired names (like Magnolia or Murphy) are becoming more popular, reflecting changing societal values around gender identity, individuality, and heritage.
